was created on September 26, 1983 as the Bexley Education Fund. A group of parents and community leaders sought to channel private support to public education in Bexley. Efforts in the early years concentrated on building an endowment by which the interest on the funds collected would support grants sought for extraordinary educational programs.

A departure from the endowment philosophy occurred in 1987 when members of the Board and community supporters held a specific fund drive for computers. The success of that effort allowed the school district to purchase the first classroom computers. In addition to funding computers, the Fund supported programs and equipment such as the Science Star Lab, a portable planetarium which helps illustrate the role of energy in space; science equipment for the high school, including high-powered telescopes and microscopes; and seed money that launched the International Education Program for the Bexley Schools.

In June 1994, The Bexley Education Fund was renamed The Bexley Education Foundation, membership on the Board of Governors was increased, and a revised operating structure was established. On April 8, 1996, The Bexley Education Foundation (BEF) was officially recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax exempt, public charity and nonprofit corporation.

In September of 1995, an unprecedented campaign was launched to raise $1,000,000 toward the current endowment and to support a sophisticated technology program from the Bexley Schools. The campaign, led by volunteers, surpassed its goal and a grant of $750,000 was made to the school district for the Five Phase Technology Program.

In 1997, the first full-time staff member was hired and since then, the Foundation has grown to new levels and set new records in its fundraising efforts and program growth. The Board of Governors totals 30 members, including representatives from the Bexley Alumni Association, Bexley City Schools Board of Education, Bexley Schools Faculty, and PTO Council.

This past year 1,486 gifts were received from alumni and friends who supported the BEF through annual gifts, planned and deferred gifts, memorial gifts, contributions to the Alumni Piazza, the "Buy A Seat" Campaign, designated gifts, in-kind contributions, and attendance and sponsorships at the annual BRAVO event. The Annual Fund raised $150,945 and the Foundation granted a record $132,290 in grants for the 2006-2007 school year.

The growth in fundraising has not only increased the support given by the Foundation for grants but also has enhanced ongoing programs such as the R.L. Stine Author in Residence Program for all fifth grade and selected middle school students, the Dr. Judah Folkman Scientist in Residence Program for Bexley High School science students, the Robert L. Glick Award for the Bexley Educator of the Year, and the Pete Grimes "Just Do It" Leadership Program for twenty-five high school sophomores and juniors.

Our history would not be complete without mention of the very successful Campaign for the Performing Arts which began in 2001. An unprecedented $2.1 million dollars was raised and a grant of $2 million was made to the school district in a partnership effort for renovation and new construction of arts areas at the Cassingham Complex and Maryland Elementary. The Foundation has completed its grant commitment of $2 million to the district, and students and the community are able to enjoy a new theatre at Bexley High School, a renovated theatre at Cassingham Elementary, and renovated theatre space at Maryland Elementary.

The Foundation plans to establish an Arts Endowment with monies raised from donations and the continuing "Buy A Seat" campaign. As with all other endowment funds, the interest from this endowment fund will be used to fund ongoing arts programming needs.

The Bexley Education Foundation believes that excellent public schools are essential to the economic and social health of the community it serves and is pleased to financially support innovations in education which will ensure the highest quality education for all students in the Bexley Schools.